Masts caught fire in Birmingham and Merseyside (Photo credit-Getty Images)
The Federal Government, on Saturday, came out strongly to debunk the rumour that had been ruling the social media in the past two weeks that it had approved the deployment of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.
The rumour mills had been awash with the alleged installation of the technology in Nigeria, maintaining that the electromagnetic waves being generated by it had been known to have made trees, animals and humans dry up and die in some climes.
The purveyors of the rumour also claimed, without any scientific basis, that the 5G technology had a correlation with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through the world. They continued in their insistence despite rebuttals by renowned scientists that there was no link between the 5G mobile technology and COVID-19.
However, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami),said, in a press statement, that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), which he chairs, had not deliberated on nor released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.
“No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country,” the Minister maintained.
However, the Minister confirmed that although a three-month study trial had “commenced on Novemebr 25, 2019, in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria,” the study and reporting process was still ongoing.
Below is the full text of the Minister’s statement:
Ali Ibrahim Patami
NO LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 5G IN NIGERIA
The attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria. Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:
i. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which I am the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G;
ii. No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country;
iii. A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria;
iv. As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial; and
v. The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.
His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians. As such, our desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of our citizens.
Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultation with experts and the public. I have also directed the NCC to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding 5G.
I wish to thank the general public for reaching out to us on this issue. We advise you all to remain rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.
Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
